Glandular Ludwigia

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Eastern and southern North America. Found growing in marshes, ditches, and wet muddy shores of slow rivers.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Belonging to the family Onagraceae, genus Ludwigia. Sometimes sold under incorrect names like Ludwigia perennis.

Physical Structure: An upright, relatively rigid stem plant that grows slower than most other Ludwigia species. Features alternate lanceolate leaves.

Color & Texture: Famous for its intense red-purple to wine-red leaves under optimal conditions. Leaf surface is smooth and slightly glossy.

Lighting & CO2: Demands high-intensity lighting. Constant CO2 injection (20-30 mg/l) is highly recommended to prevent stunting and loss of leaves.

Nutrition & Substrate: Requires regular dosing of liquid iron and micro-nutrients. A nutrient-rich substrate or root fertilization supports healthy rooting.

Water Chemistry: Prefers soft to medium-hard water. Maintain pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and water temperature in the range of 20-28 °C.

Space Management & Placement: Plant in groups in the midground or background. Leave space between individual stems to ensure light reaches lower leaves.

Pruning: Trim the top shoots and replant them to propagate. Remove bare lower stem sections to keep the aquascape tidy.

Risks & Diseases: Rapidly sheds lower leaves if light levels are insufficient. High light and nutrient imbalances can make it target for green spot algae.